Our approach to the environment
Global focus on energy security, efficiency, productivity and sustainability play to our strengths in industrial engineering. Our solutions support industries to operate more efficiently, reduce emissions and leakage, move to alternative lower carbon energy sources and capture and sequestrate carbon.
And we have set our own ambitious environmental targets to move quickly towards Net Zero and minimise our overall impact, including in our value chain.
Net Zero operational emissions (SBTi)
Net Zero value chain emissions (SBTi)
Minimising our impact and creating positive impacts where we can
Ben MacDonald, VP, Sustainability, ESG and Indirect Procurement
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Strong progress against targets in FY2025
Scope 1 & 2 emissions
Water use in water stressed locations (normalised). Target -5% by FY2027
Non-recycled waste (normalised). Target -5% by FY2027
Waste/circularity, water and biodiversity improvement projects. Target 90 by FY2027
Climate change and Net Zero
We have science-based Net Zero targets and we are playing our part to mitigate climate change by changing the way we operate and power our businesses.
We are on a path to Net Zero operational emissions by 2040 and our value chain by 2050.
In four years we’ve reduced energy use by 5% and Scope 1&2 emissions by more than a quarter through relentless focus on energy efficiency, transitioning to green electricity, and greening our vehicle fleet.
We also have a clear understanding of our Scope 3 footprint and how to address it.
How are we changing the way we operate and power our businesses?
Scope 1 & 2
Site energy inventories, green electricity tariffs, solar generation, lower carbon fuels and EV vehicles.
Scope 3
Engaging with our suppliers, logistics planning, refurbishment/circularity and continuous improvement in product energy efficiency.
Our supply chain
Using the EcoVadis platform to manage risk and align suppliers with our goals.
Natural resources and biodiversity
We commit to using natural resources respectfully and safely – sourcing responsibly, minimising consumption, and preventing pollution and biodiversity impact.
World Land Trust corporate partner
Smiths became a WLT corporate partner in July 2025, supporting the conservation of 250 acres through their Buy an Acre project in Uganda, equivalent to our global operational footprint +10%”.
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Our latest steps on biodiversity
Sophie Darlington
Sustainability Manager, Strategy, Reporting & Smiths Group Foundation
Where are we focusing?
Water, waste and packaging
Limiting the water and packaging we use and reducing non-recycled waste.
Pollution and biodiversity
Managing sites responsibly and addressing the biodiversity impact of our operations, products and supply chain.
Circularity and efficient design
Designing products that are resource-light, durable, reusable and repairable.
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Rethinking resilience: Why circularity in industrial businesses is no longer optional
Ben Macdonald discusses how circular strategies are no longer the preserve of sustainability teams.
Harnessing the power of the sun
Read our latest Sustainability at Smiths piece on our work to install solar panels across some of our key global sites
Cool thinking solves hot climate challenge
Read our latest #EngineeringExplained exploring the Earth-critical revolution of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
Integrating a sustainable ethos into our products
Sustainability is a key consideration for all our service decisions, from precision assembly to on-site technical support and skills transfer.
How our engineers are helping hydrogen to become a source of new energy
Read our latest Engineering Explained insight piece on how our engineers are helping hydrogen to become a safe, secure and profitable source of new energy.
Smiths Detection’s recycling and refurbishment programme reduces emissions
In FY2024, Smiths Detection decommissioned and disposed of over 500 pieces of equipment.
CCUS: Why c.80% of the world's CO2 injected underground uses our technology*
A comprehensive strategy of ‘carbon capture’ has four stages - Capture, Transportation, Utilisation and Storage.
Green steel: The dawn of a new Age
Read our latest #EngineeringExplained piece on @Smiths Group’s role in the dawn of the green steel era